Jackie Robinson West dominates at Little League World Series opener, 12-2
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (WLS) -- The Jackie Robinson West All-Stars have launched their effort to claim the Little League World Series title in impressive fashion, defeating Lynnwood (Wash.) 12-2 in five innings Thursday afternoon.
One of the big stars of the game in Williamsport, Pennsylvania was Pierce Jones, who went four-for-four for the game, and three of them were out of the park. He led off the game with a solo shot, tripled in the second inning and added home runs in the third and fifth innings.
When everybody's talking you up, when you're Chicago's winning baseball team, it might be tempting to be distracted, but this team is smart, disciplined and demonstrated that on Thursday.
"We're just happy to get off to a good start, that's the most important thing for the kids, to come and relax and play good baseball from the start and that's exactly what they did," said assistant coach Jerry Houston.
Chicago cheers on Jackie Robinson West at viewing party
"Pierce got the boys fired up. He let everyone know we're here to play baseball," said Sheree Hondras, mother of player Trey Hondras.
Win or lose, just being there is magical. Dennis Butler coached his son Darold when he played for Jackie Robinson West. Darold is now the coach, and he is coaching his son DJ.
"When I was 12 I wanted to go to the World Series," Dennis Butler said. "I wanted my son to go to this World Series. So this is really a 50-year dream. Not just a 12-year-old's dream. This is a three-generation's dream,"
And it's a dream for Rob Bufford, who lost his IT job two months ago and wasn't sure if he could afford the trip. But thanks to the generosity of others, he's here, able to see his son Cameron Bufford, and his son is able to see him.
"We go practice, we go hit, so to look up and not only see the fans but also to see his dad. I think that's important," Rob Bufford said.
This has been non-stop excitement for parents and players alike. ESPN has asked for baby pictures of the boys, all part a remarkable story, the next chapter of which will be written when Jackie Robinson West plays again Sunday afternoon.
